As long as I can remember this set being generally available, it seems to have divided critical opinion, with one half finding it Kapellmeisterish and dull and the other half appreciating the Kapellmeisterish (and thus "traditional") approach and the distinctive sound of the Staatskapelle Dresden. Hurwitz has championed the set (and just did a "best ever" video on the Pastorale in the set) as has American Record Guide. Count me as one who derives great pleasure from the sound of this orchestra in Beethoven.